Our NRS 116 expert looks at the Sun City Anthem Restaurant Deal, and examines its many faults !
No Restaurant Deal
Better Then
A Bad Restaurant Deal
by
Tim Stebbins
Sun City Anthem Resident
or
Click on our Information Page
"Nevada Know How"
Those of you who CARE about the well-being of Sun City Anthem..
ReplyDeleteIn addition to Tim Stebbin's editorial, we strongly suggest that you READ THIS POST on the Anthem Today publication.
http://anthemtoday.com/forums/topic/did-anyone-take-time-to-vet-principles-of-g2g/
Then say to yourself...
Is it time to come to grips with the fact that OUR SUN CITY ANTHEM BOARD, their CHOSEN EXCESSIVELY PAID MANAGEMENT alongside a DECEPTIVE SELF-SERVING blogger who surround themselves with, and recommend such an organization to be a part of the Sun City Anthem community...
...are are all responsible for this debacle.
If this information can be obtained this easily, they too could have obtained it, HAD THEY HAD THE DESIRE TO DO SO.
It's time to look at them for the damage they have been responsible for bringing Sun City Anthem, and send them this note:
THE BUCK STOPS WITH ALL OF YOU, and you should be ashamed at the ease of obtaining such information, and yet continue recommending it...
Even worse if you were aware of it, and HID IT from community owners.
And...those in the community willing to accept this action for the mere sake of wanting a restaurant at any cost to our community through their selfishness, should be looked at in the same light.
God help our community if these individuals are allowed to continue the course they have chosen and followed.
The time for CHANGE is rapidly approaching.
And these are NOT your friends.
From Karen Hadrick...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteI think Mr. Stebbins hit the nail on the head!! And I certainly appreciate him checking with the City to see what's what.
Way to go, Tim!!
From Buddy Greenfield...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteI checked Tutera's background and it says he has a low net worth….(my opinion) and is a general partner at The Energy Source.
How is it that he is representing G2G and SCA?
G2G is not mentioned.
I wonder if anyone bothered to do any background reports on Mr. Tutera?
How come G2G is never even mentioned on his resume, or his background/previous employment on Linkedin?
(I viewed the full Linkedin profile….no mention of G2G).
If you look at Linkedin under G2G, they list 15 employees.
Mr. Tutera is not even mentioned.
Just what is the relationship between G2G and Mr. Tutera?
Is he possibly a restaurant broker earning come type of commission?
I think Mr. Tutera should give us a full explanation of his relationship to G2G before any lease is signed.
From Robert Latchford...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteBy now, over a week has passed since the board of directors open meeting was held, at which we were sold out by 5 members of the board, by voting for the idiotic restaurant they are determined to shove down our throats and the money needed pay for its opening and keep it gnawing away viciously at the dues we pay.
The board seems to dwell on claims that it is desired and in the best interests of the homeowners to raid the cookie jar, but truthfully, since the other principles in this debacle backed out previously , allegedly due to opposition from the community, this seemed to have given the management and board a second wind to try again, this time likely sweeten the deal with G2G, Dennys owners and operators as well as keep it as quiet as possible to our residents.
The residents who spoke at the meeting were mostly opposed, which was likely representative of those who were unaware of it being on the agenda, but the attitude on most on the board was that they did not seem to care of the wishes of the community and were geared to vote it through.
One question I have not heard a reasonable reply on is “What’s in it for us?”
The estimated $250,000 annual subsidy (a conservative guess) could never generate enough income to begin paying rent), as the space and hours open could exceed $1,300,000 in annual sales, required in the lease.
G2G could possibly increase THEIR income through outside catering, using our equipment free, and also by possible gaming profits, but both of these items are exempt as sales from operation preventing them from using this revenue to apply to possible rent payments.
Many terms in the proposed lease were just cash bribes using our money to appease G2G, but likely the most flagrant violation on common business sense and a bonanza for the tenant, is the failure to collect a security deposit, a cardinal rule in renting commercial property,
Without these funds, there is little or no incentive for a tenant to comply to their rental period, in this case 1 year.
Our overpaid general manager, the queen bee herself, made a feeble attempt for the residents to swallow, that such deposit was unnecessary, because G2G would protect us by paying the premium in an insurance policy on personal property they we own and they use free, by naming SCA as beneficiary.
WHAT??
It should be part of the lease, but not in lieu of but in addition to a security deposit,
They are getting into our hall rent free, with virtually no cash outlay, except a few permits and licenses (the liquor license would be their property and fully salable), so all they have to do is hire a few employees, stock the galley, and they are ready to start flipping burgers. HMMM
What could be done if before lease expiration, the building was opened one morning with a closed sign on the restaurant door?
Obviously, there would be a liability for breaking the lease, but when determining financial award, likely the most key factor is normally lose revenue,
Since they would not have been paying any rent, the judge would more than wonder how this came to be and question who negotiated the lease for the homeowners and if they has legal advice.
Everything else was already supplied by the homeowners dues.
So anyone in favor of this idiotic series of events, possibly to impress out of town guests by treating then to a meal of diner type food, which is what we can expect, follow closely the destined failure of this venture and remember who put us there, come next election.
From Richard Englefield...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteIn case you missed it, Rana’s post on Vincent F. Eupierre and Frank Tutera was spot on.
I googled both of them, and was quite shocked to say the least; these are two very questionable individuals..
Please do some digging into this for the good of the community; once again our BOD has failed us miserably.
Richard,
ReplyDeleteWe have.
There's more.
...but perhaps at this point, we suggest G2G withdraw AGAIN, or the Board immediately terminate any future lease agreement.
This entire situation is now beyond fiscally responsible consideration.
Unlike past failed restaurants, this time THE PEOPLE ARE NOW PAYING ATTENTION.
From Daniel Snell...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteDick,
First of all let me share that I appreciate your efforts on behalf of SCA residents.
Here's an email I sent to our Board Members regarding their recent restaurant decision.
As an aside, It's not as if we are in dire need of another restaurant - several great ones didn't garner sufficient interest and failed; David Clawson and Standard & Pour.
Again thanks for your sharing of information that has an impact on all of us.
From Daniel Snell...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteAn email sent to the Sun City Anthem Board of Directors:
PART ONE OF TWO
A number of years ago our SCA Board at that time elected to implement the Carver Policy Governance Model.[i]A few elements of the model are summarized below from the SCA workshop I attended:
1) The Board is responsible for the purpose and goals of the organization and providing clarity and transparency regarding what the organization needs to achieve.
2) The Board needs to hire a CEO, COO, President and/or GM to achieve the organizations’ stated purpose and goals.
3) The Board also has the responsibility to develop guidelines that management and the organization must adhere to that are in full compliance with existing regulations, policies and procedures.
4) The Board has the responsibility for regularly and rigorously monitoring the performance of management, and lastly;
5) The Board needs to routinely receive information from management in order to perform their fiduciary duties.[ii]
From Daniel Snell...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteAn email sent to the Sun City Anthem Board of Directors:
PART TWO OF TWO
Our Board and Management in preparing a lease agreement should have in my opinion shared with residents Sun City Anthem’s overall risks, the adequacy of risk mitigation, the board’s understanding of the need for regulation and policy compliance and the need for adequate insurance coverage with respect to all identified risk areas.
Sun City Anthem residents should have confidence that the Board gave thoughtful and careful consideration and review to the following:
1) Risks were identified, assessed as to likelihood of occurrence and severity and they, the Board and Management, prioritized actions necessary to mitigate and reduce the risks to acceptable levels.
2) Governing documents, policies, procedures and practices conform to Tax-exempt status and compliance.
3) Governing documents ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
Has our perfect system of governance failed and sadly, fallen short?
Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, Certified Public Accounts, published an online article titled, Nonprofit Risk Management (What is it and whose job is it?). [iii]Their article starts with a great thought starter, “Now more than ever before, nonprofit leaders must recognize the importance of risk management as an inherent part of organizational oversight and leadership.”
Risk management is mission-critical for nonprofits like ours. Unlike a for-profit business, a nonprofit must take account of numerous stakeholders, to include current home owners, future home owners, the community, employees and government regulators.
Our Sun City Anthem HOA must balance these interests and achieve stated objectives in the face of near continuous resource constraints.[iv]
Given the request from two Board Members that more research and discussion was needed one can only assume that many Risk Management elements were not given the time and consideration that they deserved.
One final note, shortly after the introduction of self-management, one of our GM’s first decisions was to cancel our subscription to USA Today as it was deemed too costly. Given that, what do we call this latest restaurant decision by the Board and Management?
I am very concerned that this may well be another decision in a long history of restaurant failures, this time however, with the potential for a significant financial impact on SCA.
Respectfully,
Daniel Snell
SCA Homeowner
[i]The Carver Policy Governance Model was developed and trademarked by John Carver, a clinical psychologist. Carver lauded his model as “the perfect approach to governance” and as a result built a significant business training organizations on its implementation.
[ii]Coyne, T, “A critical shortcoming is the Board not receiving sufficient information from Management.” The Many Failings of the Carver Governance Model from http://www.k12accountability.org/resources/Accountability-Committees/Carver_Governance_Model_Failings.pdf
[iii]Source: https://www.nonprofitcpa.com/nonprofit-risk-management-what-is-it-and-whose-job-is-it/
[iv]Liberty Center Renovations and unplanned repairs due to the age of existing SCA assets.
From Barbara Snell...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteYou may find this of some interest.
I strongly believe that the process of this entire decision is a mistake.....give the space to the residents to use.
You had asked for residents to send a response to the Board.
Approval of the proposed Current Restaurant Lease
Aletta Waterhouse and Forrest Quinn are to be commended in recommending that the Lease be researched further before determining approval. Theirs was an appropriate action.
To approve without further research and input was a mistake.
In reading comments and discussing issues, all of which I am sure I may not be completely aware, regarding the new restaurant I have the following concerns which could create consequences for SCA.
Perhaps the following two points were not considered in writing the Lease agreement of the new restaurant and not taken into consideration.
1.…..on “June 17,, 1998 Del Web Communities, Inc., an Arizona corporation…formed Sun City Anthem Community Association, Inc., a Nevada nonprofit corporation by filing the Articles of Incorporation in the Office of the Nevada Secretary of State;” quote from the Third Amended and Restated Declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions.
2. G2G Management Group is an LLC or a limited liability company.
The purpose of the nonprofit is to provide a service to the public, and the purpose of an LLC is to earn a profit for its members.
I understand that for profit and not for profit organizations and companies can collaborate. However there are rules that need to be researched because of State and Federal taxation laws regarding this.
How deep are we into the relationship with the for profit business, such as exclusive advertising, use of SCA property for the exclusive catering and more? The current Lease indicates that some services, such as catering, be provided by G2G a for profit business, solely by them at SCA. This one example could imply that SCA has a significant partnership with this business.
It would seem that this approved agreement allows for financial subsidies and amenities from SCA to G2G. This entangles SCA into this business venture as landlord(SCA) vs tenant(G2G). Is the landlord now to be considered part of the business?
It’s almost as if SCA is acting as a financial stakeholder to insure the tenant does not reject the offer: financial subsidies to an outside, non assessment paying, non resident entity. This enhances the profitability of the business, G2G. This is contrary to the definition of SCA as a not for profit.
Will these actions put SCA at risk of losing its not for profit status with state and federal governments, as well as, current accounting operating parameters?
Respectfully,
Barbara Snell
From Bob Goldman...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeletePlease reprint this letter re: restaurant at SCA.
I attended the June 14th meeting where the SCA restaurant committee gave members an update on where things stood regarding the hoped for restaurant at SCA Center. The process described was painfully amateurish, but the worst part was the strong defense the committee made regarding their conclusion that the association had to work with G2G or no one. The only thing worse than not knowing what you are doing is not knowing what you are doing but thinking you do.
Last week I offered management assistance to no avail.
I am a new SCA resident with extensive restaurant experience.
My background— cooking school-trained chef for ten years, becoming executive chef, not getting to work with ingredients, getting bored, looking for something bigger.
Earned MBA degree (after Duke undergrad BA) at University of Wisconsin-Madison with a concentration in marketing and a specialization in research.
Studied under Dr. Gilbert Churchill, who literally wrote the book on marketing research.
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association hired me, and besides research, lobbying, and testifying, my duties included helping member restaurants with their operational issues and guiding people who wanted to open a new restaurant.
After ten years I started my consulting business, using knowledge from my MBA and experience to help clients in every aspect of their business. This ranged from analyzing their P & L and operations reports for lost profitability to teaching how to control food and labor costs ( the two largest expense categories), to designing kitchens and the menus to be served, to teaching seminars on restaurant labor laws (including sexual harassment, worker’s compensation and wage and hour regulations). Staff training and reducing employee theft were other seminar topics.
Specific issues raised and unanswered.
No business plan was ever prepared by anyone. This would have included real research to determine member interest and the types of operations that might have a chance to succeed. An informal show of hands at one meeting isn’t research.
The request for proposal (RFP) is crucial if the operation is not to be managed internally.
I heard ten were sent out, three returned, and only one (G2G) declared possible on its face.
How were those ten selected, why just ten, and why did 70% of the limited number refuse to respond?
A good RFP has many details that would enable the potential operator to determine the fit for them. It also tells the potential operator that the client knows a little about what they are doing.
There were many other cringeable moments at that meeting.
For example, deciding G2G was capable because they had annual revenues of $70 million. This indicates nothing.
Did G2G offer to allow the committee to see their operations reports?
What was actual profit and where did it come from?
They run casinos as well as restaurants.
If most revenue is from the casino, or even an out sized percentage, that doesn’t say anything about restaurant acumen.
It’s also easy to jack up sales revenue in a restaurant if you pay no or little attention to costs.
Compensation should not be tied to a revenue figure.
A business plan would include a marketing plan, one that takes into account realities.
Pro forma P & L documents are only as good as the assumptions used.
Those assumptions must be identified, defended with facts, and then used to determine reasonable projections.
The kind of operation desired must be determined before any estimates of number of covers, average check or weekly revenue can be made. Otherwise it’s just guessing.
I am retired and do not want a job. It’s clear though that unless the committee is willing to ask the right questions they won’t find the right answers.
Eat hearty, be healthy !
From Barbara Sidary...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteFYI, last Thursday while we were playing mah outside of the restaurant space, they moved in several pallets of what looked like kitchen equipment into the restaurant.
Didn't take anything out but moved lots of stuff in.
It was all silver and looked like restaurant equipment.
Also did you know about the meeting that Sandy had with several individuals about new tables and chairs for the gallery for card and mah players?
It was by invite only and I was included.
There were about 10 individuals invited (some were presidents or members of pan and poker clubs) and others just played in the gallery.
Sandy, Analease, Jim Orrick, Aleta and Danielle were also there.
They listened to our suggestions and concerns.
I made a 3 page presentation with info about the east end, the west end and the pool tables and handed it out.
We will lose the 4 tables outside the restaurant for if and when they open.
Many have to leave and go home due to lack of tables in the west gallery.
The pool tables take up over 1/3 of the gallery when we have 11 tables across the street.
Sandy said she wanted to order the new tables and chairs at the Oct or Nov board meeting so they will be here the first of the year.
I asked how she could do that without making a decision about getting rid of one of the pool tables or turning them north and south and she said she would handle it.
Can't wait to see what we end up with and how many tables will be available.
We received a report that the Sun City Anthem Board Secretary, Aletta Watershouse, was in the audience of the Monday, September 3, 2018 meeting of the Current Events Club; that her reaction to the G2G and personnel discoveries were surprising; that she was unaware of any of this information.
ReplyDeleteIF that is true, we have one question of her.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT NOW THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS?
Besides Waterhouse, we would like to have a SWORN STATEMENT from each respective Board member AS WELL AS the restaurant's strongest advocate, the Board blogger, that HE TOO WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY OF THIS INFORMATION.
Is this not the job we are excessively paying a General Manager and her staff to uncover?
Was this known to her and WITHHELD from the community?
Perhaps a SWORN STATEMENT should be demanded of her as well.
All of this information was TOO EASY to obtain and should have been part of any proper vetting.
There can no longer be any excuse for such INCOMPETENCE.
Any of this information purposely withheld should be cause for IMMEDIATE resignation of of a member of the Sun City Anthem Board AND IMMEDIATE termination of employment of the any individual in management.
Confidence in their competence is all but lost.
And now that all of this is public....
THE COMMUNITY SHOULD DEMAND THAT THIS QUESTIONABLE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP IMMEDIATELY CEASE.
From Robert Nusser...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteIF Mr Tutera is NOT a resident/owner and thus not "entitled" to address the Board....it begs the question as to WHO introduced him to the Board.
That might be a very enlightening piece of information.
From Marcia Kosterka...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteIt's been stated that the law firm handling the lease agreement is not our association attorney.
Who is?
I think we might be entitled to know the name of the firm as well as if there have been any past dealings with G2G and/or Mr. Tutera before we proceed with any formal lease signing.
Also, has there been any involvement with our association attorney and what have we been charged for all his legal services as pertaining to this entire ordeal to date?
Was he aware of any problems with Mr. Tutera and/or G2G that were discussed with management or the Board?
What advice was given as to proper vetting, if any?
I think our community is entitled to know the extent of his involvement.
From Richard Inglefield...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteTo SCA BOD members and others,
Please review the following links which are a small sample of negative facts available on the web regarding G2G management.
After reading them, if you still think G2G is a restaurateur you want serving your family dinner, then I’ve got a bridge for sale.
Please consider the wants and needs of our community rather than your own vested interests; we don’t need any more grief.
https://www.juralindex.com/vincent-f-eupierre.html
https://unicourt.com/case/ca-ora-national-equity-funding-inc-vs-vincent-f-eupierre-515645
https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20120615a08
https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/6965895/Vince_F_Eupierre
http://omnimgt.com/CMSVol2/pub_46715/500534_160.pdf
https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jun/10/rio-executive-quizzed-about-ties-to-las-vegas-pros/
https://www.bizapedia.com/people/vince-eupierre.html
https://www.nvsos.gov/sosentitysearch/CorpDetails.aspx?lx8nvq=j6lyOjKlNKLzS0FpswIJ%252fA%253d%253d&nt7=0
I just can’t wait to see if anyone responds; they sure play things close to their vests.
HOMEOWNERS, pay all SCA bills through our dues; how does a renter get any voice?
We also pay all SCA management’s salaries through our dues; we are the real bosses here.
As bosses, we have the right to know everything that’s going on, and demand transparency.
The G2G fiasco could end up costing us a fortune; once again, we’d be left holding an empty bag.
From Sherry Goldstein...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteI thought Aletta was supposed to be so good at fact finding, as she stated when she first ran for the board. She couldn't find out any of the things about G2G or the people we are dealing with. Novices found out all the info in less then an hour.
Who is really doing any work in our community besides spending all our money and giving everything away.
We really don't need a restaurant that bad, remember the restaurant is a want, not really a need.
Sherry,
ReplyDeleteNow you know why she had to be appointed by "The Machine" to the Board since she couldn't be reelected AND received over 40% of he vote to REMOVE HER FROM OFFICE in 2017.
Waterhouse's objection to the restaurant had nothing to do with voting against the restaurant itself.
She's always been in favor of one, but merely wanted yet another of her (yawn) work shops for some reason that made no sense after examining the lease provisions.
No one in their right mind should have accepted a lease that was so ANTI-COMMUNITY.
When it comes to Aletta Waterhouse, once a bureaucrat, always a bureaucrat...and her record defines the word as one of the best.
She has no business experience and until now, to my knowledge, rarely, if EVER, voted against THE MACHINE.
Let's not forget that she voted to all the other Board officers (Rex Weddle, Forrest Quinn, and Candice arrow) and both Weddle and Karrow voting to ACCEPT THE LEASE agreement and its "sell-out" provisions.
A leopard doesn't change its spots.
She's far from what we need in a good member of the Sun City Anthem Board.
From Marty Greenblatt...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and encouraging show of homeowner interest and engagement, but the question is how to translate that into definitive action and pressure on the Board to either withdraw from or materially renegotiate the deal.
Marty, that remains to be see, but when it comes to being confronted with real truth and facts, if history repeats, they will arrogantly ignore them and proceed in the same way they always have....
ReplyDelete...NOT GIVING A DAMN and sacrificing fiscal and now MORAL responsibility, in belief that the rest of the community will remain unaware all these newest concerns.
Have you seen a single word on "The Bull Sheet" regarding this matter?
Of course not, the words "full disclosure" do not exist in his vocabulary as he will undoubtedly continue to HIDE anything that could negatively affect his disgraceful MACHINE's continued incompetence.
Unfortunately for him, the community is buzzing about all of this and his insulting followers are stymied as to how to react.
But...believe me, they will...
...in their typical ignorant and condescending manner once they've figured out a way to avoid the topic and instead direct insults toward those who have intelligently addressed it.
From Chuck Anaya...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteI believe that a large majority of residents are in favor of a restaurant and would like to see a place where they can conveniently enjoy and relax with friends at a great location which is currently unoccupied and not in use.
I believe that the Board has seen or experienced the many past failures from previous companies, learned from those experiences and willingly to apply a positive opportunity for G2G to succeed for the benefit of all residents. No risk but could be many rewards opportunity.
I believe that the community should support the restaurant and help it to succeed.
Positive reinforcement is the key to their success. Nothing gained by opposing an opportunity.
Chuck, after all of this has been brought to the attention of the community, many of us would like to you explain how this in any way could possibly be looked at as "an opportunity" to your fellow residents, unless that opportunity is being defined as GETTING SCREWED !
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that this would be the general consensus as to the value of your comment:
LOL
From Bill Feeney...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteDick,
The question I have, isn’t this Tim Stebbins the same person that helped kill the deal way back when The Boulevard restaurant wanted to be the leasee?
Before it was opened as The Boulevard restaurant after being turned down here? Hmmm
Bill..Bill...Bill.
ReplyDeleteNice try, but we know who you are and what you represent to SCA....
...a proud minion of "The Bull Sheet".
The Boulevard Restaurant across from the South Point was there long before they wished to be considered by Sun City Anthem.
After speaking with the owner, it was his decision not to continue negotiations with Sun City Anthem, not SCA's.
He looked at the then Board as consisting of some of the most difficult individuals to deal with and realized that their demands were ridiculous.
Next time take your attempted assassination of Tim Stebbins elsewhere, where "your insulting kind" seem to appreciate killing the messenger, rather than looking at the issue.
That Dog Don't Hunt Here !.
What does Tim Stebbins have to do with the current restaurant lease other than writing the article that he took the time to research while you instead, sat on your duff?
By the way Bill, let's let the people know the REAL YOU.
Here's the post you made on the Berman blog last October.
You are obviously one of his followers who, like so many of his other minions, enjoy insulting anyone with an opinion who is incapable of looking at the numerous problems that the MACHINE has caused over the years.
Next time spend your time on a blog who enjoys this kind of trash talk.
Here's Your Ode to Stupidity:
"I totally agree with your assessment of our problems and also think how it could negatively affect the decision of someone deciding to serve the community.
I’ve lived here for a little over 7 years and for 7 years the infamous blog you might be referring to has been run by a muckraking conspiracy theorist. For 7 years it seems us poor uninformed residents keep overlooking the rampant thievery and utter incompetence of some imagined “machine”.
Fortunately most people see this individual for what he is, a foolish wannabe reporter that has fortunately never, I repeat never, been correct or backed a winning person or cause in all the time he has been trashing well meaning fellow residents.
Hopefully now that he has caused the wasting of over $50,000 of our money he’ll feel embarrassed and quit being such a negative force in our wonderful community."
Posted by: Bill Feeney | October 29, 2017 at 05:22 PM
Got some news for you Bill. You couldn't fool...a fool !
From Karen Hadrick...to...Anthem Opinions
ReplyDeleteTo Mr. Nusser:
When you asked who introduced Mr. Tutera to the Board, were you referring to him speaking at the August 23rd meeting or initially as the BOD was looking for someone to run the restaurant?
I was conversing with a man sitting by me who asked me why I didn't think the restaurant was an amenity (Because being open to public is different than residents ONLY), and then did I think there were going to be carloads of customers coming up to visit the restaurant? (I told him no).
I thought he was just another homeowner, until he told me that he was "G2G".
I didn't know his name at the time, but he then got up and started speaking with another homeowner (who had been seated at one of the tables in front of the audience).
That homeowner then went up towards the entrance where copies of the agenda and comment cards were, and picked up two of them.
He gave one to "G2G" and completed the other for himself, and took both cards up to the general manager and handed them to her.
When the Member Comment Period came up, and names were being called, a David Berman rose to speak about the restaurant, and then suggested that it might be interesting to hear from G2G directly.
At that time, "G2G" approached the microphone and identified himself as Frank Tutera and gave an address. (I wrote it down, but possibly incorrectly, because no such number existed).
He then proceeded to tell the Board and audience about how they (G2G) were trying to help the association with a restaurant, and that they knew they weren't going to make a lot of money by doing so, and it would be a "learning" experience for them.
I am as surprised as you are that Mr. Tutera may not be a resident/owner, but I have to wonder whether Mr. Berman and/or the Board knew of that information when they called Mr. Tutera's name to speak.
Something just doesn't add up--surely someone had to know whether he was an owner or not--especially since the property managers were also present.
Karen, it's more than obvious that Berman and Tutera are "tight".
ReplyDeleteAfter learning what we know now about both, does it surprise anyone that they wouldn't be?
Birds of a feather....